Care during braces treatment

A POSITIVE attitude towards the treatment and ensuring co-operation during the treatment are the two main factors responsible for the resounding success of the treatment

Active orthodontic treatment may last 3 – 6 months, but can stretch upto two years (Longer in a few exceptional cases). During the treatment, the orthodontist checks up the teeth and the braces at least once in 4-8 weeks.

There are different set of instructions on care while undergoing fixed & removable braces treatment. Enlisted below are instructions while undergoing treatment with fixed braces. For basic instructions on the care of removable braces, click here

Brushing it clean

The most important instruction given to all orthodontic patients with fixed braces, is that THEY HAVE TO BRUSH & CLEAN THEIR GUMS, TEETH & BRACES AFTER EVERY MEAL, be it snacks, lunch, dinner, break time meal, etc. It is not necessary to use the toothpaste all the times; cleaning with just the toothbrush will help.

For the Upper teeth, start on the upper right last tooth, on the outside surface of teeth, at the junction of the teeth & gums. In small circular motions, with a firm pressure, efforts must be made to clean all the areas between the wire & the gums. Teeth have to be cleaned on the inside surfaces of the teeth (The surfaces towards the palate)

Like wise for the bottom teeth. Start on the right side last tooth, on the outside surface of teeth, at the junction of the teeth & gums. In small circular motions, with a firm pressure, efforts must be made to clean all the areas between the wire & the gums. Teeth have to be cleaned on the inside surfaces of the teeth (The surfaces towards the tongue)

It is always a good idea to LEARN THE CORRECT BRUSHING TECHNIQUE, when you have braces on the teeth. Carry your tooth brush along & ask your Orthodontist to teach you the same.

Use of interdental brushes, water - pik and/or dental floss on a folder, can help maintain a clean and healthy set of teeth and gums during the course of treatment with braces.

Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!

Another VERY IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION to remember is, that, during the course of treatment, patients are advised to stay away from all foodstuffs which are hard and sticky.

NO NO NO

You need to be careful, what to eat and how to eat the same. Click here to DOWNLOAD the NOT TO EAT LIST

Do not do this at home

During the treatment with FIXED braces, do not touch your braces with the fingers, pen, pencil, pin, etc., if the teeth pain, when food is stuck on the braces, or, for any other reason. Things stuck around braces must be removed ONLY with a tooth brush prescribed.

The only thing that touches the braces is the tooth brush, the food you eat and the lips & cheek which come to rest against the braces. The tongue stays behind your teeth & will touch the braces only if you have the invisible braces set on your teeth

Do not to bite into anything with your front teeth. Pizzas, fruits & all other foodstuffs which normally would be bitten with front teeth will have to be cut into small pieces first. The small pieces can then be put in the mouth and chewed upon with the back teeth.

Be careful

During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities).

If you are not careful, the bracket, which is stuck on the tooth, is at a risk of being dislodged from its position. Any damage to the braces can unnecessarily prolong the duration of the orthodontic treatment. Additionally, with repeated breakages, the cost of the treatment also goes up

Make sure you visit your family dentist regularly for professional cleaning and cavity check.